The best way to save money on energy is to use it wisely, said Gerry Anderson, DTE Energy president and chief operating officer. This initiative will provide our customers with the tools they need to take control of their energy use. We believe this program will have tremendous benefits for our customers and have a positive impact on Michigan’s economy and environment.
Comprehensive energy legislation passed in Michigan in 2008 to assure clean, affordable energy for the future was the catalyst for the MPSC collaborative and DTE Energy’s efficiency programs. The collaborative will examine in detail the energy efficiency measures employed by all electric and natural gas utilities and the energy savings that result.
DTE Energy’s Your Energy Savings will offer customers a wide array of energy efficiency programs. An appliance recycling program introduced earlier June 2009 offers customers $50 rebates to recycle older model refrigerators and freezers, with DTE Energy picking up and disposing of them for free. Other programs rolling out in the weeks ahead include:
Onsite energy audits at customer homes with rebates of up to $1,500 for making recommended improvements;
Discounts on Energy Star products, including clothes washers, room air conditioners, dehumidifiers and compact fluorescent light bulbs;
Discounts on purchases of energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment;
Incentives for the construction of energy-efficient homes and buildings; and
Energy-efficiency assistance for low-income households.
Moving forward, we hope to offer even more opportunities for our customers to save energy and save money through the Your Energy Savings program, said Anderson.
Anderson said he expects the programs will help stimulate Michigan’s economy by creating jobs in energy consulting, heating and cooling services, lighting and other home improvement and construction businesses. Additionally, because energy costs are a key component in the cost of doing business, the programs have the potential to make the state more attractive for new businesses considering a location in Michigan.
Longer term, the programs will help Michigan’s environment. By using less energy, carbon dioxide emitted in the production of electricity is reduced.
DTE Energy is a US-based company engaged in energy business.
